Keelboat Fleets and Divisions
Keelboat sailing and racing is a core element of activity a South of Perth Yacht Club. You may be completely new to sailing or a seasoned ocean racer, young or not so young, male or female. No matter what your background and experience, South of Perth Yacht Club can offer you sailing that will suit your skill level and sailing ambitions.
Our plethora of vessels are divided in fleets, depending on the series, which include mixed-design fleets (Div 1, 2 &3) and also some single design fleets such as the H28, RedWitch, SS22 & 27 & S80. Each division has strong and tight knit representation and participation, with our Midweek and Saturday Series events often seeing upwards of 40 boats getting ready to start in the Canning River or further out in Melville Water East.
If competitive and sociable sailing is your ‘J&M’, then SoPYC is a great place to start and meet like minded sailors.
Our plethora of vessels are divided in fleets, depending on the series, which include mixed-design fleets (Div 1, 2 &3) and also some single design fleets such as the H28, RedWitch, SS22 & 27 & S80. Each division has strong and tight knit representation and participation, with our Midweek and Saturday Series events often seeing upwards of 40 boats getting ready to start in the Canning River or further out in Melville Water East.
If competitive and sociable sailing is your ‘J&M’, then SoPYC is a great place to start and meet like minded sailors.
Mixed Design Fleets
Division Rep: David Thoms | [email protected] | 0400 965 203
Division 1 is a mixed fleet consisting of a wide range of cruiser/racer yachts. Utilising a Performance Handicapping System alongside the fixed rated ORC Club Handicap system ensures very competitive and enjoyable racing across this mixed fleet. From the larger 50 foot cruising hulls, 30-40 foot production racing yachts and smaller Sports boats the racing is close, competitive and very good spirited. We pride ourselves on being competitive while keeping a focus on fun and participation.
We race every Wednesday Afternoon under Jib & Main only which attracts a large competitive group of sailors who have immense experience. The sailors are very welcoming who love to share their knowledge and experience with newcomers.
Our Saturday Summer Series races from October through to April and consists of longer races under full sail (Spinnakers). This is where our Championship races are held and they bring out all the best skills in our fleet.
Through the Winter we have our Frostbite series which consists of around 8-9 races held every second Sunday from May through August. This series gives sailors the opportunity to try their full range of skills and prepare for the more rigorous Saturday and Off-shore races.
Some of our fleet support the Off-shore Division and also participate in Regattas at Geographe Bay and Cockburn Sound as well as our annual Billy Run to Rottnest Island.
Division 1 is a mixed fleet consisting of a wide range of cruiser/racer yachts. Utilising a Performance Handicapping System alongside the fixed rated ORC Club Handicap system ensures very competitive and enjoyable racing across this mixed fleet. From the larger 50 foot cruising hulls, 30-40 foot production racing yachts and smaller Sports boats the racing is close, competitive and very good spirited. We pride ourselves on being competitive while keeping a focus on fun and participation.
We race every Wednesday Afternoon under Jib & Main only which attracts a large competitive group of sailors who have immense experience. The sailors are very welcoming who love to share their knowledge and experience with newcomers.
Our Saturday Summer Series races from October through to April and consists of longer races under full sail (Spinnakers). This is where our Championship races are held and they bring out all the best skills in our fleet.
Through the Winter we have our Frostbite series which consists of around 8-9 races held every second Sunday from May through August. This series gives sailors the opportunity to try their full range of skills and prepare for the more rigorous Saturday and Off-shore races.
Some of our fleet support the Off-shore Division and also participate in Regattas at Geographe Bay and Cockburn Sound as well as our annual Billy Run to Rottnest Island.
Division 2 Rep: Rob Male | [email protected]
Handicapper: Mat Selby
Scribe: Vince Bradley
Division 2 is a widely varied fleet of keelboats for which the Club has a year-round racing program.
The yachts are mostly between 28ft (8.5m) and 34ft (10.3m) but some are longer and others are shorter, if their performance best fits within this Division.
The Club uses a Performance Handicap scoring system that aims to make the performance of each yacht competitive to others over the season, so size doesn’t matter too much.
Division 2 also includes some one design boats such as S80s and Cole 32s for extra competition within the division. The Division includes some newer designs and older designs, with designs suitable for ocean racing while others are suitable only for semi protected waters.
Crew sizes vary with some just two up, for J&M races, and larger crews of about six, although there are no limits. Division 2 is about enjoying the racing on the water and then returning to the Club for the results and some friendly comradery afterwards.
Handicapper: Mat Selby
Scribe: Vince Bradley
Division 2 is a widely varied fleet of keelboats for which the Club has a year-round racing program.
The yachts are mostly between 28ft (8.5m) and 34ft (10.3m) but some are longer and others are shorter, if their performance best fits within this Division.
The Club uses a Performance Handicap scoring system that aims to make the performance of each yacht competitive to others over the season, so size doesn’t matter too much.
Division 2 also includes some one design boats such as S80s and Cole 32s for extra competition within the division. The Division includes some newer designs and older designs, with designs suitable for ocean racing while others are suitable only for semi protected waters.
Crew sizes vary with some just two up, for J&M races, and larger crews of about six, although there are no limits. Division 2 is about enjoying the racing on the water and then returning to the Club for the results and some friendly comradery afterwards.
Division Rep/s
Nick Melidonis [email protected] & Rod Thiele [email protected]
Division 3 keelboats at South of Perth Yacht Club (SoPYC) are a mixed class of yachts designed for competitive sailing and cruising, featuring a variety of small to mid-sized keelboats. These boats are typically between 22 to 28 feet in length and are known for their versatility, allowing sailors of all skill levels to enjoy the thrill of racing. The division includes a diverse range of designs (Spacesailor, MB, Endeavour) and performance characteristics which along with performance handicapping makes races exciting and competitive. The racing format in Division 3 is designed to be inclusive, with a strong focus on camaraderie and skill development, making it an ideal starting point for those new to keelboat racing or for experienced sailors looking to enjoy a more relaxed, yet competitive, racing environment.
Sailing in Division 3 at SoPYC offers a unique blend of competition and community. The division is perfect for those who want to sharpen their sailing skills while enjoying the vibrant social atmosphere of the club. Division 3 races are structured to provide both challenge and enjoyment, with a supportive group of sailors who are eager to share their knowledge and passion for the sport. Division 3 boats are a little different to our bigger cousins, everyone onboard is involved in the sailing activity, there is limited room for movable ballast on a 24ft boat. Whether you're looking to compete seriously or simply enjoy a day on the water with friends, or a tranquil twilight sail, Division 3 offers the perfect balance. Additionally, the stunning location of the South of Perth Yacht Club, with its beautiful views of the Swan River makes every race a memorable experience.
Nick Melidonis [email protected] & Rod Thiele [email protected]
Division 3 keelboats at South of Perth Yacht Club (SoPYC) are a mixed class of yachts designed for competitive sailing and cruising, featuring a variety of small to mid-sized keelboats. These boats are typically between 22 to 28 feet in length and are known for their versatility, allowing sailors of all skill levels to enjoy the thrill of racing. The division includes a diverse range of designs (Spacesailor, MB, Endeavour) and performance characteristics which along with performance handicapping makes races exciting and competitive. The racing format in Division 3 is designed to be inclusive, with a strong focus on camaraderie and skill development, making it an ideal starting point for those new to keelboat racing or for experienced sailors looking to enjoy a more relaxed, yet competitive, racing environment.
Sailing in Division 3 at SoPYC offers a unique blend of competition and community. The division is perfect for those who want to sharpen their sailing skills while enjoying the vibrant social atmosphere of the club. Division 3 races are structured to provide both challenge and enjoyment, with a supportive group of sailors who are eager to share their knowledge and passion for the sport. Division 3 boats are a little different to our bigger cousins, everyone onboard is involved in the sailing activity, there is limited room for movable ballast on a 24ft boat. Whether you're looking to compete seriously or simply enjoy a day on the water with friends, or a tranquil twilight sail, Division 3 offers the perfect balance. Additionally, the stunning location of the South of Perth Yacht Club, with its beautiful views of the Swan River makes every race a memorable experience.
Single Design Fleets
Division Rep: Ernie Little | [email protected] | 0419 907 822
Fleet Page & WebBlog: http://www.wah28.com/
Fleet Page & WebBlog: http://www.wah28.com/
The H28’s of the South of Perth Yacht Club
These classic yachts have been sailing as a “class division” at the South of Perth yacht Club for over 60 years. They were originally designed in the early 1940s as a cruising ketch and the plans were made available with the home builder in mind. They became the yacht of choice for many sailors in the Perth area during the 1950s and over time, more than fifty H28s, modified with a sloop rig have been built and sailed in WA. Constructed with full length keels, they are regarded as a comfortable and forgiving boat to sail, particularly in the strong summer breezes experienced on the Swan River.
Sailors in the SoPYC H28 fleet enjoy a particularly strong camaraderie, both on and off the water, while also taking their participation seriously in the midweek and weekend sailing competitions. There are currently fourteen H28s on the SoPYC boat register.
Division Rep: Darren Brown | [email protected] | 0407 084 104
The Red Witch is a shallow draught 20-foot (6.0 m) trailer able, fixed keel yacht, designed to fit under major bridges on the Swan River in Western Australia. The boats are easy to cruise and race and are an excellent entry into sailing as they are affordable and easy to maintain.
The Red Witch offers competitive one design class racing. They are well built, very safe and can offer relaxed family cruising or great fun for young people. They are thrilling in strong breezes where legendary downwind performance of the boat allows it to easily sail past larger boats. The simple rigging makes it easy to sail two up or with young children. They can be sailed with up to five people on board and can accommodate four for sleeping inside the cabin.
They are sailed as a separate division at South of Perth Yacht Club and as combined fleets at many yacht clubs in WA.
The hull and cabin are made out of Glass-Reinforced Plastic, the keel is cast iron (400kg) and the rudder is GRP or wooden, originally with a rudder box, or replaced with GRP as owners upgrade. The transom has space for an outboard bracket and a ladder. It is virtually unsinkable, as it has airtight cavities in the cabin. Total approx hull weight 700kg.
For further information contact the Fleet Captain Darren Brown.
The Red Witch is a shallow draught 20-foot (6.0 m) trailer able, fixed keel yacht, designed to fit under major bridges on the Swan River in Western Australia. The boats are easy to cruise and race and are an excellent entry into sailing as they are affordable and easy to maintain.
The Red Witch offers competitive one design class racing. They are well built, very safe and can offer relaxed family cruising or great fun for young people. They are thrilling in strong breezes where legendary downwind performance of the boat allows it to easily sail past larger boats. The simple rigging makes it easy to sail two up or with young children. They can be sailed with up to five people on board and can accommodate four for sleeping inside the cabin.
They are sailed as a separate division at South of Perth Yacht Club and as combined fleets at many yacht clubs in WA.
The hull and cabin are made out of Glass-Reinforced Plastic, the keel is cast iron (400kg) and the rudder is GRP or wooden, originally with a rudder box, or replaced with GRP as owners upgrade. The transom has space for an outboard bracket and a ladder. It is virtually unsinkable, as it has airtight cavities in the cabin. Total approx hull weight 700kg.
For further information contact the Fleet Captain Darren Brown.
Diviosn Representative: Mark Gooding | [email protected] |
The S80 Class is proudly one of the most active and progressive fleets sailing on the Swan River. The S80 Association summer season calendar is very busy with both club and Association races (mixed club fleets) every Saturday. We run a Metropolitan Championship series commencing in September being the opening day at each major river sailing club; a number of short-course windward-leeward championship events during December, January and February, a two-day South West Championship regatta in Bunbury each January, and our State Championships held on Owen Anchorage over the March long-weekend. For the keen competitors there is the Ron Tough Match Racing regatta held in May.
As an active group we naturally welcome new members into the S80 competition, but more importantly, will offer support to any S80 owner who may be looking to get the most out of their boat, whether this is racing or just family cruising fun.
Our skipper members have vast sailing and racing experience and often make themselves available to provide coaching, mentoring support and crew training. We can offer advice on maintenance, fit out, tuning, sail selection, class design rules, etc. All you need do is ask.
The S80 Class is proudly one of the most active and progressive fleets sailing on the Swan River. The S80 Association summer season calendar is very busy with both club and Association races (mixed club fleets) every Saturday. We run a Metropolitan Championship series commencing in September being the opening day at each major river sailing club; a number of short-course windward-leeward championship events during December, January and February, a two-day South West Championship regatta in Bunbury each January, and our State Championships held on Owen Anchorage over the March long-weekend. For the keen competitors there is the Ron Tough Match Racing regatta held in May.
As an active group we naturally welcome new members into the S80 competition, but more importantly, will offer support to any S80 owner who may be looking to get the most out of their boat, whether this is racing or just family cruising fun.
Our skipper members have vast sailing and racing experience and often make themselves available to provide coaching, mentoring support and crew training. We can offer advice on maintenance, fit out, tuning, sail selection, class design rules, etc. All you need do is ask.
Division Rep: Bruce Uren | [email protected] | 0427 644 638
Association website: www.spacesailer22.org.au
The SS22 has always been a boat which allows competitive, one design racing at a price which bucks the commonly held perception that sailing is only accessible to the wealthy. Not only this, it is a class with a strong state Association and a welcoming culture for sailors of any skill level. It is a perfect place for people to commence their involvement in the sport. Whilst many move on to larger boats there are equally those who have owned their boats for many years and whom have no desire for anything bigger.
Association website: www.spacesailer22.org.au
The SS22 has always been a boat which allows competitive, one design racing at a price which bucks the commonly held perception that sailing is only accessible to the wealthy. Not only this, it is a class with a strong state Association and a welcoming culture for sailors of any skill level. It is a perfect place for people to commence their involvement in the sport. Whilst many move on to larger boats there are equally those who have owned their boats for many years and whom have no desire for anything bigger.
Division Contact: David Hanham | [email protected] | 0417 458 019
Spacesailer 27 Association: https://www.spacesailer27.org.au/results/
Spacesailer 27 Class Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Spacesailer27/
SoPYC hosts the largest fleet of Spacesailer 27 yachts in WA and at our “home club” we race as a “one design” class or fleet.
Since the first SS27 was built and launched onto the Swan river by the Swarbrick brothers some 50 years ago, two of these sound and seaworthy vessels have separately circumnavigated the globe.
These versatile keelboats have proven themselves to be both competitive racers within their own class, as well as comfortable seaworthy cruisers. Many of the SS27 skippers have cruised the WA coast from as far south as Geographe Bay to as far north as Geraldton, the Abrolhos Islands, and beyond.
For competitive racing they are optimally crewed by a Skipper plus 5, while they can be comfortably cruised by as few as 2 or even sailed solo.
Spacesailer 27 Association: https://www.spacesailer27.org.au/results/
Spacesailer 27 Class Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Spacesailer27/
SoPYC hosts the largest fleet of Spacesailer 27 yachts in WA and at our “home club” we race as a “one design” class or fleet.
Since the first SS27 was built and launched onto the Swan river by the Swarbrick brothers some 50 years ago, two of these sound and seaworthy vessels have separately circumnavigated the globe.
These versatile keelboats have proven themselves to be both competitive racers within their own class, as well as comfortable seaworthy cruisers. Many of the SS27 skippers have cruised the WA coast from as far south as Geographe Bay to as far north as Geraldton, the Abrolhos Islands, and beyond.
For competitive racing they are optimally crewed by a Skipper plus 5, while they can be comfortably cruised by as few as 2 or even sailed solo.
Section Representatives
Rear Commodore Regatta: Nikki Kukura
[email protected]
Sailing Captain: Victoria Blanckensee
[email protected]
Sailing Vice Captain: Wendy Jorgensen
